Falcons to storm Georgia’s Pro Day
Could Georgia fullback Brannan Southerland be the next Bulldog drafted by the Falcons?
In each of the last three NFL drafts, the Falcons have selected a player from the University of Georgia.
In 2006, quarterback D.J. Shockley was selected in the seventh round with the 223rd pick overall.
In 2007, tight end Martrez Milner was selected in the fourth round with the 133rd pick overall.
Last season, running back Thomas Brown was selected in the sixth round with the 172nd overall pick.
Before Shockley was picked, the franchise has stayed away from Georgia players for more than 10 years. They had taken Mitch Davis in the fourth round (118 overall) of the 1994 draft.
The Falcons brain trust will descend on Athens tomorrow for Georgia’s pro day.
Much of the fuss will be over quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock is set visit. ESPN and Scouts Inc.’s Todd McShay is also set to visit. Our buddy Steve Wyche from NFL.Com is coming too.
With two legitimate first round picks, all 32 teams in the NFL will be represented.
The Falcons will not be in the hunt Stafford or Moreno, who figure to be long gone by the 24th pick.
However, there are some other Bulldogs who might entice general manger Thomas Dimitroff and the rest of the personnel department.
Cornerback Asher Allen, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, defensive tackle Corvey Irvin, wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, fullback Brannan Southerland and defensive end Jarious Wynn all participated in the NFL scouting combine and will get a chance to improve their workouts at the Pro Day.
Which Bulldog do you see the Falcons taking? (I think Southerland might be able to help in short yardage situations). Which Bulldog do they need to take? (Allen is a corner. They need a corner). Or do they need to go back to the old days and say away from the Bulldogs?
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112 comments Add your comment
ValdostaMike
March 18th, 2009
12:27 pm
Do not see them drafting any Dawgs, but if any of those you mention are not drafted I would expect a free agent offer to participate in camp (Jarious Wynn) and see what happens.
Falcons
March 18th, 2009
12:33 pm
Ellerbe and Southerland would be solid selections. I’d take Ellerbe in the third or later. He’s a player at a position of need. And Georgia has produced a few good linebackers over the years.
Southerland after the fifth.
gp295
March 18th, 2009
12:48 pm
I would take Allen have good bALL skill to compete in the NFL.
jp
March 18th, 2009
1:02 pm
If Corvey Irvin is there in the 5th than take him. He’d be a great pickup at that point. Southerland in the 6th or Wynn in 7th wouldn’t be bad either.
Phillip Sharp
March 18th, 2009
1:08 pm
Asher Allen would seem to make some sense. As gp295 said, he has good ball skills. Also, Asher Allen has very good speed and is a great kick returner/punt returner.
Area Sports Fan
March 18th, 2009
1:18 pm
I love the Dawgs and I hope Asher does well, but I really see him as the NFL equivalent of David Irons, the Falcon CB that came out of Auburn a few years ago. Good ball skills, talented, but small. In the right situation Asher could be a contributor, but I don’t think he makes an impact at the pro level. I like the kid and I hope I’m wrong.
I MUS.WRITE
March 18th, 2009
1:23 pm
Sutherland could be the eventual replacement for the overpaid Ovie Mughallie and Ellerbe would be a solid selection in the 4th or later.
I would like to see us sign Angelo Crowell- if he isnt to expensive he would be a nice addition.
That would give us a Peterson/ Lofton/ Crowell linbacking corp….We could then pick up a nice line backer in the draft to eventually replace peterson.
I would trade the 1st for a 2nd /4th
If we found a team willing to trade up then we could go straight defense
2- LB /DE Maybin ….L English…groom to take over for peterson
2- DT Brace or Hood
3- SS R.Johnson/ Chung
4- CB Macho Harris….agressive corner with size…or Asher Allen (.Release david irons)
4- TE Coffman /Ingram
5- NT Sammie Lee hill/ Myron Pryor/ Terrence Knighton….big body to play behind Trey Lewis
6- DE- Lawrence Sidbury or LB Jason Williams
We need DLine help in the worst way- Im not satisified with K Moorehead / Jason jefferson etc we need to upgrade.
No trade available…. No problem
!st- SS Delmas or Sean Smith – hybrid Cb/ Safety …I would like to get Smith to match up with the Musshin Muhamad/ Colston types
2nd- NT Ron Brace
3rd- LB Freeman / Z Follett
4th- TE- Coffman/Casey /Ingram
5th- Sammie Lee Hill/ Roy Miller
5th- LB Jason Williams /Asher Allen
6th OT Alex Boone
jdawg
March 18th, 2009
1:23 pm
please lord don’t take asher allen…there is no reason to leave school early and get selected in the fifth round. MoMass and Southerland would look great as dirty birds
Halsey
March 18th, 2009
1:39 pm
I’m a UGA student and draft nerd. I’d love to be able to watch the pro day from afar. Standing next to all those NFL people would be cooler, but I doubt I can even watch from afar, so I have no delusions of being able to watch up close. Does anyone know if fans can watch from afar?
ndadome
March 18th, 2009
1:40 pm
So, I’m not the only one who thinks Ovie is “ovie-rated”. Thanks, Rich. Southerland might be a good choice. .good blocker, which we currently don’t have at fullback, and a good receiver, which we currently don’t have at fullback. But Ovie was good on Playboy radio last year, I’ll give him that.
Michael
March 18th, 2009
1:41 pm
Ellerbee and Allen would be the best selections for the Falcons out of Athens. Just adding depth to the Defensive side of the Ball. All of the Safety misers give it up, I did, look for Reshad Johnson or Chung to get the call in the 2nd round.
Pat Connors
March 18th, 2009
1:41 pm
These players are all studs. I know you can’t draft all dogs, but the key here is drafting the right dawg. If you take Sutherland,( great heart, great motor) you’d have to eventually get rid of Muhelli. But he;d be the best one to take. If you look at all the great running backs there’s always a certain type of fullback. I think Sutherland fits that bill better than Muhelli. Check it out. Blier,Suey,Johnson,Rathmen,Kick,Taylor,Reeves,Garrison,Riggins,Schnell, And let’s not forget PODALACK. Later Duds!
Chris
March 18th, 2009
1:43 pm
That’s an intellegient comment…..
FALCONS_11
March 18th, 2009
1:43 pm
GO FALCONS
Pat Connors
March 18th, 2009
1:53 pm
Enter your comments here
Ramblin Wrecker
March 18th, 2009
1:54 pm
Outside of Stafford and Moreno (which do not represent needs), none of those players sound enticing to me for the Falcons. Why would the Falcons need Southerland? They have Ovie Mughelli at quite a hefty sum as well as Jason Snelling, who always looks like a nice punishing runner to me when I’ve seen him in the game.
Barry
March 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
Good job Dimitroff. You have to look at Georgia players. They have put some solid stars in the NFL and they are right in our backyard. We would be foolish not to investigate the talent at UGA and Georgia Tech. I am confident someone from these schools will be making some valuable contributions to the Falcons’ “ONE HEARTBEAT” this upcoming season. I can’t wait until we get resusitated and get on with the “PROCESS” of winning a Super Bowl for the city of Atlanta and Georgia in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!”.
Let’s get on with the “PROCESS!!”.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!”
Ringold
Falcon Devil
March 18th, 2009
2:24 pm
“Deep down, the Falcons would love to draft another whitey QB like Stafford just so they can cut DJ Shockley.”
This might just be the most retarded statement I’ve ever heard on a blog… which says alot. This comment is stupid on several levels. For starters no one would ever draft Stafford as a backup. Second the only reason Shockley is on the roster is because he went to UGA and people in GA love him for that reason alone. Third if the Falcons wanted to cut him they could in a heartbeat, they don’t need to draft a QB in the first round to justify cutting a scrubby 3rd stringer. 4th you are calling the Falcon organization racist, which is complete baseless and history would prove the opposite. You know absolutley nothing about football, the falcons, or the real world which you obviously do not live in.
Atlanta Jackets
March 18th, 2009
2:30 pm
I think the Robot, Josh Nesbot would look great in a Falcons uniform next season. He would back up Ryan and run out of the Wild Cat formation!!
Reno 911
March 18th, 2009
2:34 pm
I thought we already had a fullback.
uga_b
March 18th, 2009
2:46 pm
I don’t see them taking any of them unless they slide. I have a feeling they will all be drafted too high. For example, Asher will go in the 4th, but probably should go in the 5th.
Now I sound like Mel Kiper, bottomline: all players drafted will be selected between the 1st and 255th pick.
'ol sport
March 18th, 2009
3:17 pm
Guys,
I cannot believe that any true Dawg would fail to realize that Southerland is “short yardage dependable” and an absolute blocking purist. In addition, he represents every thing that is fine in our young people today. This is not to slight the others, but for someone (”Ramblin Wrecker”) to ask the question “why would the Falcons take Southerland when they have Mughelli is just plain sad. Considering the alleged source, however, it is not surprising.
ken
March 18th, 2009
3:22 pm
lookout for jeremy lomax possibly making a good showing as linebacker for an nfl team
D3
March 18th, 2009
3:25 pm
Agree with you I.Mus and gp, Asher Allen would be a good pick up in, say round 5 or so. Round 4 might be a little of a stretch, because I’ve been witnessed these guys first hand in Athens since they came in as freshmen. Allen had a great sophomore year, but dropped off a good bit this year (even though some of that can be attributed to the atrocious Defensive End lack of pass rush). He did, however, get burnt occasionally this past year, particularly in the Alabama and Florida games. He’s tough, hard nosed player that would be an excellent addition to our locker room.
Brannan Southerland is an absolute stud! He was the moment he stepped on the field as a True Freshman. He was absolutely automatic around the goal-line. He has an amazing work ethic and was one of the big-time leaders on offense (hate to say it, but more of a leader than Stafford in my opinion). It will be tough to argue drafting Brannan when we already have Ovie, but if we could grab him with one of our 2nd 5th round picks and we’ve filled needs to that point, I say pull the trigger. He was a great asset in the passing game as well. He could take a screen pass almost the distance by using his blockers and running behind his pads with ferocity. Would look great in a Falcons uniform, and that would mean Snelling would be out the door because I know my man from Tucker, Thomas Brown, will come back with a vengeance and make the squad.
On Dannell Ellerbe, I wish him the best, but I have to totally disagree. He disappeared this year after being on the cover of SI. He had one good year and has had problems with getting benched early on. I’m sure he’s improved since, but as a senior he was not the heart and soul of the defense: that title belongs to Rennie Curran. I just can’t see them justifying drafting Ellerbe when we have Lofton and Tony Gilbert as a backup. He is no OLB either by the way. Wish him the best because he’s a Dawg, but not right for us.
Good stuff, DOL. I do have a serious question though: Not tryin’ to hate on the Bird Babe, but guys like Ken, Stirg, Ray, or Reno, for example, could do great things with the “Falcons Fan Blog,” compared to a couple of sentences every couple of months. Just asking. By comparison, Bill King’s blog for UGA gets heavy hits.
Reno, good to see you back man.
cutter
March 18th, 2009
3:26 pm
I watched some film on Evander “Ziggy” Hood and this guy is a beast. A pass rushing DT that is stout against the run. Great numbers at the combine and better at Pro day. Sounds like an every down tackle which is what we need.
Voice of Reason
March 18th, 2009
3:40 pm
We don’t need Josh Nesbitt to come to the Falcons and ensure more fumbles. Keep Josh “the fumblin Robot” Nesbitt far away from the Falcons please!
GeoffDawg
March 18th, 2009
3:52 pm
Southerland could potentially be a real steal in this draft. Even though he’s had some recent injury problems and never got on track his senior season, someone with his drive and physicality could really contribute at a high level if given the chance. He would definitely be a “value” pick.
JMar
March 18th, 2009
3:55 pm
I agree with GeoffDawg that Southerland has a ton of potential and could be a steal for whoever drafts him, but it won’t be the Falcons. Having given Mughelli the biggest fullback contract in history, and just resigned Snelling (and clearly liking him, since it was a surprise to the casual observer how much they used him last year), no way do they use a pick on a fullback.
DawgGirl32
March 18th, 2009
4:13 pm
I agree with GeoffDawg. Southerland will be a steal for any team. People overlook him but I think UGA’s offensive production went up some crazy % when he was the FB versus when he was injured this year. He’s a great blocker and made some pretty key plays while he was a dawg. I think his first play back from injury in 2008 was a touchdown haha. I would love to see him as a falcon but I don’t know if I see that happening.
Casa de Thrill
March 18th, 2009
4:17 pm
If Southerland gets out of the Second Round he’s a steal. He is the reason why the fullback position in on the rebound in the NFL. Try to find another fullback who jumps 38 inches and is stronger than Southerland, goodluck you won’t bc he was the first created. By the way, I heard a rumor he favors Dale Jr.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 18th, 2009
4:26 pm
RENO: Welcome back. They need to improve their short yardage game — third, fourth and 1. That should be automatic. Was only 75 percent last season.
D3: I work here and don’t know who the Bird Babe is. There are some good bloggers out there that’s for sure. Stirg had a really good DE breakdown.
CASADETHRILL: Southerland is not going to be picked in the first two rounds. He might even go undrafted and you can him as an undrafted free agent.
LambertDawg
March 18th, 2009
4:35 pm
Asher Allen is over-rated. For 3 years people have raved over this guy and i have never figured out why. He’s fast… he’s a good interview… every once in a while he’ll lay a good hit for someone his size (5′9″-190ish). But overall at Georgia, there was always a 10 yard cushion between he and the receiver. He has the “hardnose” mantality but he rarely backs it up.
Dennell Ellerbe: Over-rated. He intercepted a pass from Jared Zabranski in the 2005 Boise State game. Ever since then I haven’t seen him do anything special. He’s going to have a lot of tackles (he’s a linebacker) but he always has a problem seperating from a blocks. Plus, he’s slow and always looks out of gased compared to others. I would take Rennie Curran over Ellerbe anyday despite Curran’s size
Massaquoi: Under-rated. If he has a good QB (Matt Stafford: Matt Ryan) and a solid set of receivers around him (Georgia: Falcons) he can be a dependable receiver. His senior year was his best year. He’s not a #1 receiver but he’s also not a 7th round 220th pick. I would compare him to Reggie Brown
GeoffDawg
March 18th, 2009
4:35 pm
I agree with GeoffDawg – thanks guys, just wanted to keep the streak going.
Cuz
March 18th, 2009
4:45 pm
Draft Sutherland, healthy, he is a machine.
Cuz
March 18th, 2009
4:46 pm
And by the way, I agree with GeoffDawg agreeing with DawgGirl agreeing with GeoffDawg.
GeoffDawg
March 18th, 2009
4:59 pm
Mighty agreeable of you Cuz.
Rufio
March 18th, 2009
5:08 pm
Let me start by saying I’m a GT guy, but i would take Southerland in a heartbeat… definitely a stud.
But I didnt realize that when the Falcons signed Ovie in 2007 that it was a 6 year deal… talk about committing.
That sucks. That’d probably be a tough contract to move.
Harry Rand
March 18th, 2009
5:12 pm
As I stated before, Southerland would fill the teams need at TE from the second round instead of using the no. 1 on a TE.He’s got great hands,runs well and everyone knows how well he blocks.
Casa de Thrill
March 18th, 2009
5:26 pm
D ORLANDO LEDBETTER: You need to jump on the Southerland train because it has already left the station
Falcon 8211
March 18th, 2009
6:09 pm
we don’t need asher allen. he is not tall enough to match up with the big receviers in the nfl. the last small corner we drafted due to ball skills and speed was the famous MEangelo.
gdg73
March 18th, 2009
6:13 pm
Can we talk about something else. The only person that excites me coming out of UGA is Moreno and we won’t draft him. I don’t think
UGA recruits: Pay attention to your fanbase
March 18th, 2009
6:47 pm
Is it any surprise that all of the “Dawg” fans are gushing about the many “talents” of Southerland while talking down about Asher Allen. Saying that Allen should not have come out because he’s over-rated and in the same post saying that Southerland is a stud (nevermind that he can’t stay healthy and won’t get drafted). Boy, y’all must get the DUMBEST recruits year-end and year-out. It happens every year with the UGA fanbase. Southerland is a bum and will be sitting on Buck Belue’s lap this time next year as a radio intern. Asher Allen will have a decent career in the NFL, maybe some longevity.
TheManMike
March 18th, 2009
7:02 pm
Casa De Thrill-
You mean jump OFF the train? No way in hedge fund we draft effin Sutherland. “Oh My” Mughelli would knock the shift key out of that junior. Half the reason Mr. Turner rocked so hard last season was due in part to the blocking from Ovie. You dont have to score alot of TD’s and gain alot of yardage to be a killer fullback.
“Oh My” Will be here for a long time…..
D3
March 18th, 2009
7:03 pm
I.Mus, like your draft picks a lot. The only small part where I might change it a little is your second scenario. I think Delmas and Sean Smith are too high at #24. I know we could wait and get Smith in the second round, and maybe Delmas gets drafted in the first, but there’s no guarantee. Like your idea of gettin Maybin, but I think English is more of a prototypical 3-4 OLB/DE. Seems a little too big for a 4-3 OLB. Not sure that Coffman and Ingram will slip to the 4th, but who knows. The problem is that, even though there are a ton of solid TE’s, if they go on a run in the second, they may not be there in the 3rd.
Cutter, if you’re right on Hood I’d say grab him. I guess he just seems a little smaller than your typical DT. Do you think he is #24 material?
Geoff, agreed on Southerland. He will be a steal and I think he’s the best FB in the draft. If its true that we just re-signed Snelling than we could forget that dream anyway. Hopefully, Snelling can turn into our short yardage guy if Ovie can’t do it.
Lambert, agreed on Ellerbe. I never really thought he was the best or even second best of the bunch we’ve had over the years. Wouldn’t make sense for us drafting him at MLB anyway, b/c he can’t play OLB. Have to disagree a little with Allen. He had a great year year before last, and a down year again. But he would be another small CB, which we already have Grimes and Irons.
Scenario A:
1)Matthews/Maybin-OLB 2)Chung/S.Smith-SS
3)Cook/Nelson-TE 4)Hill/Pryor-DT
Scenario B:
1)Pettigrew-TE 2)Brace/Hood-DT
3)R.Johnson-SS
TheManMike
March 18th, 2009
7:04 pm
Besides; Ovie learned from the best….
darrell starks
March 18th, 2009
7:08 pm
Southerland would be and excellent pick for the falcons in the 5thround, TD no offensive draft pick in the first 4rounds we need defense bad never have we had a dominating defense in the history of this franchise. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TheManMike
March 18th, 2009
7:27 pm
It will be a sad day if Matthew Stafford gets drafted 1st overall…….No way it happens. I see him landing in Seattle….
D3
March 18th, 2009
7:47 pm
Better watch out tryin’ to jump on DOL.
TheManMike what’s up? Not a fan of Stafford? Honestly, being a UGA grad and hardcore fan, he’s not ready mentally or emotionally, IMHO. He’s as gifted as any QB to come through, but he seemed to lack that fire and innate leadership quality other QB’s like our own Matty Ice, Flacco, or even Tim Tebow. I think Seattle would be a much better spot for him, honestly. But, remember who would be his head coach, Jim “ridin w/ Meangelo in his Ferrari” Mora. Love the “shift key” phrase.
D.Starks, agree on defense-heavy opinion, but I think we’ll have to spend at least a 4th to get a stud TE, maybe even a 3rd. Cook/Nelson/Ingram/or Coffman. I think we should pass on Casey.
cutter
March 18th, 2009
8:14 pm
D3- Hood is right at 6′3 300, not exactly small by any measure but I think if you look look at his body of work and his combine stats this guy has the potential to be very good. He fits cover 2 scheme. Bench 225lb 35 times, vertical 35.5 this guy reminds me of a bigger Warren Sapp. DEFENSE
Tyger
March 18th, 2009
8:58 pm
Allen, Massaquoi, Ellerbee
NAT HOWARD
March 18th, 2009
9:05 pm
IF I WERE AN OFFICAL WITH THE FALCONS, THERE IS ONE TEAM I WOULD NEVER DRAFT A PLAYER FROM AND THAT WOULD BE THE GEORGIA YECH YELLOW COATS. THEY THINK THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE ON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH. AND TO THINK THAT AT ONE TIME I WAS A YELLOW JACKET FAN. GOD FORBID.
D3
March 18th, 2009
9:35 pm
Cutter – excellent point. I’ve been going back and forth on Hood myself for worth it at #24, and from what it sounds like from you, he’s definitely worth it. My ideas about drafting an OLB first would set us up @ LB for years and years, but hearing your point if we were to draft a Hood, that would set us on d-line for years and years, so you really can’t go wrong with either in my opinion. I’d be happy with either to be honest with you, but CB or SS, IMHO, is not worth a 1st rounder. Is there that much difference between Delmas and Chung/Smith/R.Johnson? Do we really want to draft another 5′9 CB in the first?
Question: if any were available at #24, who do you take? OLB-Matthews,Maybin or DT-Hood or TE-Pettigrew?
Decisions, Decisions.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 18th, 2009
9:47 pm
SAINTS & TAMPA LOOKING GOOD…..MEANWHILE THE FALCONS WAIT FOR THE DRAFT
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK T.D. 
D3
March 18th, 2009
11:09 pm
Blog a litte dead tonight, eh? Must be that mid-week drag. Well, tomorrow’s thursday, aka the beginning of the weekend.
Sharper to Saints? eh. There a little more than a veteran safety away from a serious run. Overall, pretty good addition.
Crowell to Bucs? Nice addition. Also read that Jermaine Phillips is switching to LB. Kind of odd.
Bottom line: year in and year out, the NFC South is a street-fight and thats the way you want it. Good, tough games every week. No dominant team that wins every year like some divisions and thats a good thing.
clthurman
March 18th, 2009
11:34 pm
I am so sorry for bringing my know-nothing azz to this blog. Clearly I don’t have a clue and am not a Falcon fan. I just sit here and pull my pud while getting angry at the fact that the Falcons didn’t spend millions of dollars on big name do-nothing free agents. Got to go now and change my grammies depends again. She gets cranky when I make her wait too long.
Rupert
March 19th, 2009
12:41 am
I think Sutherland a good pick, strong in short yardage situations and has bailed out the dogs several times with his clutch receiving.
Coon-Dawg
March 19th, 2009
12:59 am
Ellerbe’s the only one that could be a steal (If he can stay healthy). We have a need at linebacker and he would have had an All- American season had he not gotten hurt. Asher made a mistake turning pro. The Falcons don’t need him. I’m a Dawg season tic holder and I think he’s overrated. Sutherland is good. We’ll have to wait and see, I trust TD to make the right call.
marcos
March 19th, 2009
2:04 am
i just cant belive it just draft draft?,how many startes can you have in one draft,all the teams in division are boosting his roster tampa crowell saints sharper what about us we need something at least a cb,ken lucas can come cheap as same as mcallister i don know i relly dont like the aproach of the offseason what are we waiting for
Get serious
March 19th, 2009
7:46 am
Suthernland is a good FB, but he’s not better than Ovie. That guy is a hammer….this isn’t college football recruiting. We don’t have to appease the UGA fanbase by talking ourselves into taking a player from there. Or GT for that matter…
mowreck
March 19th, 2009
8:16 am
Why would they need Asher to run back punts and or kickoff. Don’t forget (and this comes from a GT guy) Thomas who was injured last year. He is one of the best and strongest players for his size I’ve seen on a football field. I would even get him some time at the RB position.
DOGPYLE
March 19th, 2009
8:24 am
We can package Ryan and Turner together and send them to Detroit for their 2 #1 picks. We take Stafford and Moreno, get Southerland and MoMas in the later rounds, plus Allen and finally sell out that Dome. Otherwise, this team got no chance.
marko
March 19th, 2009
8:44 am
As much as you get tired of the incessant whinnying from the how bout dem dogs crowd, they might have a point. Dimmitroff’s former team has two Bulldog starters. Richard Seymour and Ben Watson. Both first round picks. I don’t think the Falcons have ever selected a Bulldog in the first round. This shows poor judgement on their part, and terrible PR. They get a pass this year as both Stafford and Massaquoi will be long gone by the time they pick. The worst blunder ever was not burning a forth round pick to secure the rights to Herschel. Dallas did just that, and wound up trading him to Minnesota for a super bowl roster. Nobody loves football more than the Georgia crowd, and no other group has wasted more money on Falcon’s tickets than they have. Money that could have been better invested in beer, chewing tobacco and obnoxious baseball caps I might add. Getting back to Ben Watson, I’m told that he scored 41 on his wonderlic. Think of that, a Bulldog scoreing 41 on the wonderlic. Who’s says we’ve past the age of miracles
darrell starks
March 19th, 2009
11:59 am
I DONT NO WHAT GAMES PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT BUT ASHER ALLEN IS GOING TO BE A SOLID CORNER BACK IN THE NFL AND WOULD BE A SOLID PICK FOR THE FALCONS IN THE SECOND OR THIRD ROUND. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Poor McKay
March 19th, 2009
1:05 pm
We have the highest paid FB in the NFL… why do we need a potential undrafted player to help us with 4th & 1?
chris 4 prez
March 19th, 2009
1:43 pm
Dogpyle love the sarcasm toward the dawg fans. What has the dawgs done lately anyway? What have they done since 1981??? With all these awsome must draft everyone of them players you think they would have won atleast one championship!
Ken Strickland
March 19th, 2009
1:54 pm
IMUS.WRITE-I noticed your draft list had 2 roadblock type NT’s. Do you think we really need 2 of those type DT’s, considering TLewis will be returning from IR? I’m not criticizing your choices, but I think at least one of your DT’s should have more playmaking ability to backup JBabineaux or replace him if he’s injured.
I did an assessment of certain players already on our roster that will be returning from IR. The return of these players will be like picking up draft picks or FA’s without paying any more money for them. I looked at their scouting reports and compared them to some of the players so many of you/us have been insisting we draft with our 1st or 2nd rd picks.
(1)DT-Returning DT Trey Lewis’ scouting report shows he has fewer shortcomings and more upside than this drafts 2 top rated DT’s, Raji and Jerry.
(2)LB-Returning LB Robert James, mentioned earlier by Orlanndo Ledbetter, is said to have just as much, if not more, speed, quickness, range, hitting ability and upside as any of the LB’s everyone seems to be arguing over on these blogs.
(3)CB-While there are some quality CB’s in this yrs draft, there aren’t any that stand out above the crowd. There really aren’t any that can be rated that much better than the 3 we’ll have returning from IR, BGrimes, DIrons and VHutchins. In fact, last yrs rookie CB, Chevis Jackson, who had a very strong rookie season, is rated just as highly, or higher, than any CB in this yrs draft.
(4)SS-I found some interesting info about what we already have at this position. There are several SS’s in this draft that rate higher than backup SS JFudge. In fact, I found out that Antoine Harris, our other backup safety who will be returning from IR, is actually rated higher than JFudge in terms of overall ability and versatility.
After all is said and done, it seems TE and SS are the positions in need of upgrading the most, and the draft seems to offer the best chance of getting what we need at those positions. The players we have returning from IR give Dimitroff and Smith an awful lot of options, both in the draft and FA. In fact, these returning players just might be the reason we didn’t have to be very active in FA, which saved us an awful lot of money and cap space.
D3-the blog is dead only to those of us that aren’t UGA fanatics.
VICKSUPPORTER2-let’s put your last post in perspective. You said, “THE SAINTS AND BUCS ARE LOOKING GOOD…..MEANWHILE THE FALCONS WAIT FOR THE DRAFT”. The Saints looked very good at the beginning of the ‘07 season after winning the NFC South title in 06, and look at how they’ve turned out. Tampa Bay looked very good at the beginning of last season after winning the NFC South title in 07, and look at how they turned out. The 08 Falcons finished the 07 season in total chaos and at the bottom of the NFC South with a 4-12 record. Our new HC and GM, through FA, and judicious use of the very draft you mock them for using, turned everything around and the Falcons made the playoffs, finishing ahead of both the Saints and Bucs. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT IF YOU WERE OF JUST AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE, YOU’D COME UP WITH AT LEAST ONE DIFFERENT WAY OF EXPRESSING YOUR ANTI FALCON IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY.
ndadome
March 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
Mr. Ledbetter, here’s an idea to make the draft more fun: how about a contest to see who can pick the Falcons’ draft picks in correct order? The winner would get to spend a day with you at Falcons training camp and assist you with your blog, meet players, help conduct interviews, etc. Just a thought, but it might be fun. BTW, I like this blog a lot. .good to get an idea what other folks are thinking. Good job.
Johnny DangerDawg
March 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
Asher will not be a Falcon. There’s teams willing to draft him a lot earlier than the Falcons would.
Johnny DangerDawg
March 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
Southerland might still be available in the late rounds and would be a steal.
Johnny DangerDawg
March 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
Darrell,
Maybe they’re looking at the games where Asher got burned by receivers or maybe the games where Asher interfered on passes that weren’t even catchable.
Spud Webb
March 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
Massaquoi will be a Steeler in like the 4th or 5th round. They love UGA WR’s, Hines, Hastings.
Southerland will be decent, but no need to go higher than the 6th round. Asher should’ve stayed in school.
Wynn will end up on a team, the guy is raw but is workable. Give him a couple of years on the developmental squad.
FreeMikeVick
March 19th, 2009
3:11 pm
CENSORSHIP IS AGAINST THE LAW!
Falcon Devil
March 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
No it’s not moron, have you ever heard of Jerry Springer?
FreeMikeVick
March 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
I merely proffered the fact that the Falcons wish to get red of DJ Shockley because he is black.
Falcon Devil
March 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Please refer back to my statement yesterday at 2:24pm.
chris 4 prez
March 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
FreeMikeVick, you my friend are a morron!
Falcon Devil
March 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
Anyway back to Falcon football… I’m really interested to see how DeCoud progresses during training camp. Will he be competing for FS against Erik Coleman? Having taken him in the 3rd round TD must have thought highly of him. I was very satisfied from what I saw of Coleman last year and I think our young group of CB’s has a bright future. Chevis Jackson and Chris Houston are my projected starters and if we can pick up Patrick Chung or Sean Smith I’d be happy with that young secondary. As a former Sun-Devil I have been anixously awaiting Robert James’s debut and in my highley biased opinion he will be starting next to Lofton and Peterson by the end of the year. You can never be too deep at D-Line so I would like us to take the best DT availible with our 1st pick unless Maybin or Cushing is still availible (can’t pass up that level of talent). A SS in the 2nd round and a TE in the 3rd. Jarod Cook’s athlethism is very attractive but I know they want a blocker/pass catcher not just the latter. Travis Beckum seems like a strong choice to me. I’d like to name drop Troy Nolan as a good developmental SS pickup in the late rounds…
TheManMike
March 19th, 2009
4:52 pm
I was just looking on AF.com and watched some of the new Falcon TV Spots that are coming out. Man, i must say they are pretty excellent. I love how they put the “National Geographic” feel to it. The one called “Feeding Time” is excellent stuff. Good work on that one Marketing Department.
If you have not seen them here is the link….
http://life.atlantafalcons.com/index.php?autocom=blog&blogid=4&
Enjoy.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 19th, 2009
6:13 pm
DOGPYLE…….I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENT. STAFFORD CAN AT LEAST THROW PAST 40 YARDS IN THE AIR.
Mark E Scherer
March 19th, 2009
6:15 pm
alot of bark here but no bite
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 19th, 2009
6:23 pm
INTELLIGENCE IS NOT MEASURED BY LONG WINDED POSTS. IF YOU CAN’T MAKE YOUR POINT IN ONE PARAGRAPH OR LESS, IT DOESN’T MAKE YOU ANY MORE SMARTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. SO UN MENTIONED IDIOT, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE A.K.A. “I’M SMARTER BECAUSE I SAY SO” YOUR LONG RAMBLINGS ARE AS IGNORANT AS YOU ARE. DO ME A FAVOR AND “STAY IN THE HOUSE” AND BE A GOOD YOU KNOW WHAT.
Falcon 8211
March 19th, 2009
6:38 pm
I hope we sign S. ROLLE. Would anyone else like to see that. He still has some left the tank.
Falcon Devil
March 19th, 2009
6:39 pm
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE YOUR POINT IN ONE PARAGRAPH OR LESS, IT DOESN’T MAKE YOU ANY MORE SMARTER THAN ANYONE ELSE.
Hahahah that statement speaks for itself.
kc
March 19th, 2009
6:41 pm
Ken Strickland – It’s your old pal KC. I agree with everything you said about (James, Lewis etc…) I think TD knows we have players that folks are forgetting about. I think the corners, DL, and backers are secretly in good shape. TE and SS would be wise draft choices. You wrote a good blog. As for the Dawgs … Ellerbe could possibly be the “diamond in the rough”. He probably would have had an all-american year had he not been injured. He could be a steal late. (If he can stay healthy… That’s a big if)
Falcon Devil
March 19th, 2009
6:44 pm
Falcon 8211, I’d like to have a vet CB in there for the next season or two if we can get him at a bargain. It seems to me that TD isn’t concerned with next season though, he cares about the next 6 seasons. I’m on board with signing Rolle though if it makes sense finacially.
DOGPYLE
March 19th, 2009
6:48 pm
I believe the Falcons suffered some injuries very early in training camp last year and those players will be good-to-go begining training camp. James, Lewis and Hutchins come to mind. Falcons will finally be able to implement DBBDA strategy. DRAFT BEST BULLDOG AVAILABLE. Then we can all yell sic’em on the kick offs.
Scott
March 19th, 2009
7:41 pm
I think Asher Allen actually has the best upside. He ran a 4.33 in the forty today at pro day. His problem has never been tackling or coverage but the inability to anticipate the ball and turn around and find the ball in the air and either knock it down or intercept it.
Ellerbe is solid but he has had fatique issues which can be worked out and I still wonder if he is a hundred percent after that slight injury he had this past season. He didn’t seem to return 100%.
Southerland is solid as well as a blocker and receiving in certain combinations. However I wouldn’t waste a draft pic when you’ll probably be able to pick him up as a free agent.
Ken Strickland
March 19th, 2009
8:35 pm
KC-what’s up my friend. Dimitroff has a lot of us Falcon fans thinking outside the box. I don’t remember very meny of us fans being in favor of drafting QB MRyan with our 1st pick last yr. With what Smith and his staff did with that and other picks last yr, I had to start thinking differently. Since we now have such excellent coaching and a solid OFF/DEF scheme in place, what we fans might think the team needs is relative.
VICKSUPPORTER2-your comments are obviously intended to justify your recognition that limited minds, and/or mentalities, have corresponding limits of expression. Therefore, it doesn’t take as long, or as many words or sentences, when you routinely have little or nothing to offer. I think that sums you up perfectly. Constantly using bold letters won’t compensate for the narrowness of your comments.
D3
March 19th, 2009
8:44 pm
As anyone having trouble posting? I’ve sent, like, 3 posts through and…….squat.
D3
March 19th, 2009
8:56 pm
Of course that one went through. Ok, let’s try this one more time…..
Falcon Devil – like your ideas and knowledge of Robert James. He’s kind of become the forgotten draft pick after he got hurt, but he was after all nicknamed “The Beast.” I agree with you on OLB at #24. I know we may possibly be “ok” at LB, but adding someone like Cushing, Maybin, or Matthews would set us at LB for years and years. Lofton, Peterson(short-term), Nicholas, Wire, James, and Cushing/Maybin/Matthews would set us at LB for a long, long time. There seems to be so much top-end depth at OLB to pass if one of them were to fall to us.
Ken – just curious where you got your evaluative info on our IR/Returning players from. Agree that TE and SS are the biggest needs, and TE is definitely deep, but SS is deep with second round picks, IMHO. Is Delmas better thatn Kenny Phillips or Brandon Meriweather when they came out? Don’t even dignify the detractors comments with a response. Negative attention is still attention.
kc – have to disagree with you on Ellerbe. I wish him the best, but being a UGA grad and tix holder, he really only had one year of great play and was not the heart and soul of the D. That would be Rennie Curran. He might be a diamond in the rough as you say, but I think we’re set at MLB.
ndadome – Nice idea on the draft competition. I floated the idea of someone else on here taking over the “Falcons Fan Blog,” but he evidently didn’t take it serious. Not tryin’ to hate on the Babe, but she rarely posts and when she does its usually only 4 sentences max.
BTW, Pat Kirwan has the Falcons taking Clay Matthews and our old pal Steve Wyche has us taking Aaron Maybin. Would be dang happy with either.
Good stuff.
DUANE FERELL
March 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
IS THERE ANY WAY KEEP VICK? MAYBE WILD CAT QB/BACKUP QB. DAMN I MISS 7
Falcon 8211
March 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
Scott, Asher is fast but to small. he can not match up with the big receivers. the last fast corner we had (Meangelo) had great ball skills. look how many times he got burned. i like asher just don’t think he fits our system.
kc
March 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
D3 – I’m a longtime Dawg season tic holder as well. I agree with you …R Curran is the man on our D.
Scott – Gotta disagree with you about Asher. Ellerbe may not be the guy for the falcons, but Asher’s not either. Asher and Prince failed us last year. Asher makes solid tackles for a small guy, but he doesn’t cover good enough for these Falcons to improve by taking him.
Ken my friend … I swear I’m not just saying this in hindsight …. I’m one of the people that wanted Matt Ryan pre-draft. I still cut-up with my buddy that wanted Dorsey.
D3
March 19th, 2009
9:35 pm
kc – nice to have a fellow dawg and falcons fan. Hate to diverge on dawgs, but I’m more excited about this year than I was last year. I said before the season that it might turn out to be very bad. I loved Stafford, but he just never stuck out to me as “the guy – leader” we’ve had in the past at QB. As long as King, Samuel, Thomas, Jackson, or Ealey can step up & our D gets back to form I think we’ll have a shot. We’ll see. I do think Massaquoi would be a solid #4 if we didn’t have Laurent Robinson, but the time’s just not right for us at WR.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
What’s really going on, y’all?
D3, I’m with You buddy. Lastnight, I typed an award-winning blog in reference to Yahoo Sport’s Mock Draft VI. They, apparently, suggested that Atlanta draft Michael Johnson (GT) with the 24th pick. I expressed my opinion, agreeing with the idea, in a very long blog (sorry VICK SUPPORTER 2) and it never appeared. I was so mad.
So, in short, I’ll just say I concur with drafting Johnson and leave it up to the bird cage to debate it. The idea of drafting Johnson supports my theory that I presented about defensive ends (refer to my blog entry on “Falcons Wave Goodbye to L.J.” (March 16, 2009, 10:15pm). I’m sure that the novelty of the idea will invite a great debate. Just keep an open mind and swallow the “blue pill”.
D3, Ken, D.O.L, thanks for the compliments on the blog. When I type, I’m just speaking my heart; and my heart is Falcon football.
In reference to today’s combine, I caught a name that was not mentioned often during regular season or in scouting reports; however, he put up some eye-catching numbers. Who is this kid C.J. BYRD? I researched his name; and the very little info I was able to obtain, was real impressive. The most intriguing thing about this kid is that he is listed as a strong safety/DB (go figure). Can anyone (especially with all the Dawgs in this bird cage) give Me some info on this kid; because if he is as good as what I’m seeing, he may be a steal and that would leave our options wide open.
Lastly, is it just me or is CBS having technical difficulties with the NCAA tournament.
kc
March 19th, 2009
10:30 pm
D3- Thanks ! I’m excited as well. Most fans don’t realize it , but we’re gonna be better next year. Cox will be a steady hand at the wheel (i.e.- John Parker Wilson). He doesn’t know how to loose. He’s never lost. Having a TE weapon, 2 star receivers, 3 or 4 running backs of quality, an aged o-line with Trinton returning, and the D has to be better. Only one way for the D to go and that is up. Anyone know what coach Richt is doin about getting those kickoffs into the endzone as he previously stated was a priority ?!? I dont see where we’ve signed a long kicker. This is a significant addition if we are to improve upon last year.
kc
March 19th, 2009
10:32 pm
BTW … Laurent is a keeper ! He has fantastic hands !
D3
March 19th, 2009
11:03 pm
What’s up Stirg, my man? – Yeah, I don’t know what the H happens sometimes with the posts. I’ve started to copy my post before I submit, because I hate to try and post and nothing come up after typing for like 5 minutes. Anyway,..
1st, CJ Byrd. As a UGA grad and dogs ticket holder, Byrd is solid. He pretty much had just a very solid career, nothing completely outstanding, but nothing completely terrible either. He came on strong and played as a true freshmen mainly in special teams I believe and was known as a hard hitter. He became a full-time starte last year and had a solid year. He was good, but not great. The whole secondary had a bad year(partly because we had ZERO pass rush), but still a bad year nonetheless. I wish him the best, but I wouldn’t say he would be worth more than say a sixth round project. I would love for him to prove me wrong.
2nd, Michael Johnson. First of all let me say that he will be a stud at the next level and there is no bias because he’s a Tech player. I don’t get into that college crap of hating on other team’s players. A good player is a good player(if I can say Tim Tebow is great, than I can say anyone is). The pick just doesn’t fit to me. I personally think we’ll be set at DE. As you mentioned before, Jamaal Anderson is really on target with his progression and should have a good year. He also was solid against the run, which people forget. And even if he doesn’t translate, Chauncey Davis is there to pick it up. I think Chauncey might actually win the spot; the guy just makes plays. I see Michael Johnson as a project, not a ready-made starter. Think Jamaal Anderson when he was coming out. Don’t ask what Mike Mayock thinks about Michael Johnson; he absolutely destroys the kid.
kc – agreed on Robinson. He was a lone bright spot of the debauchery of season known as 2007. Assuming we re-sign Roddy(which we dm better), we should be set at WR for a long, long time.
Ken Strickland
March 19th, 2009
11:05 pm
D3-I got the info from the ESPN web site, but you have to be an INSIDER member to get it.
KC-I know there were some fans supporting the pick because I was all over them for wanting Ryan over DT’s Dorsey or Ellis. I have no reason to believe we would have accomplished what we did last yr if we had drafted a DT instead of QB MRyan. That mistake on my part, the return of DT TLewis and the performance of DT JBabineaux, allows me to understand why Dimitroff and Smith might decide to draft a TE with our #24 pick instead of a DT. After all, the best DEF any team can have is the one sitting on the sidelines watching the OFF moving the ball and scoring.
Chemistry, familiarity with the OFF and each other, and the addition of a complete TE, will automatically make our OFF much better than last yrs OFF. Upgrading the SS, OLB, DE and DT positions will automatically make our DEF better than last yrs. If UGA RB MBrown makes the team again, he’ll take over special team responsibilities, which would keep RB JNorwood and WR HDouglas fresher and reduce their chance of injury.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 20th, 2009
12:29 am
D3, thanks for the update on C.J. Byrd. Now, I don’t have to waste my time and research on lobbying him for a top pick.
As for Johnson, I’m with You on THAT side of the line. Anderson and Davis got it locked down. I’m actually on the other end where Abraham is posted. I know he’s a beast but let’s not forget how injury proned he is. You, at least, recognized that he will become a great defensive end, someday, at the next level. You also acknowledged my theory about the time it takes for a DE to mature, at the next level. Wouldn’t it be fitting for him to be groomed, now, to take over for Abraham, who is at the dawn of his career? In addition, it seems that once defensive ends reach that “break-out” year, they become either too expensive to keep or they want to test the FA market (e.g., Jared Allen, Patrick Kerney, Julius Peppers). Come to think of it, that’s how we got Abraham in the first place. When Anderson or Davis want to bolt in another two or three years, I would love to see an NFL-three-year-old Johnson showcase the tutelage he would receive from Abraham, Anderson, Davis and company.
I know a number of us want to see the Falcons win it all, this year; but wouldn’t it be dandy to keep winning for years to come? Do we put a band-aid on the open wounds we have, so we can win right now; or do we fix our problems with good talent and win for years and years? I, personally, prefer the later. I don’t want to be a won-and-done team like Tampa Bucaqueers or Carolina Panties (or even the ‘98 Falcons). Instead, I’d rather do what’s necessary, now, and resemble the dynasty of New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers.
Don’t be shocked if TD pulls another Ryan-over-Dorsey move and select a Johnson or a Pettigrew for the 24th pick. Quite frankly, I’d be satisfied with either of those choices.
I better quit now before I lose this entry, again. The copy before submit idea was a good suggestion. Good looking.
VICK SUPPORTER 2 lost in space
March 20th, 2009
8:30 am
JAN. 20………………..HOW’S THAT FOR ONE PARAGRAPH OR LESS?
Ken Strickland
March 20th, 2009
8:33 am
STIRGD’NAHRIF-that was an excellent well thought out post. The Falcons are approaching the point where they can start drafting players to be groomed to replace expensive FA’s that have been signed, or vets that are approaching the down side of their careers.
I originally thought TE or DT would be the position we would draft first, then I changed to CB. But after analyzing what we already had on our roster, expecially the talent that will be returning from IR, I have come to realize TE and SS are our primary positions of need. A complete TE like Pettigrew would take an already potent OFF to the next level. He would expand our passing OFF, make our no huddle OFF deadly, and we could go to it at anytime without substituting.
If we improve our Redzone, short yardage and scoring OFF, teams will end up in catchup mode with little time remaining on the clock. We’ll start the season with one of the NFL’s best rushing OFF’s, if not the best, and one of the most potent passing OFF’s, led by one of the NFL’s most accurate passers.
One way to improve your rushing DEF is to use your OFF to control the clock, score, and place teams in a situation where they have to pass in order to catchup. A TE like Pettigrew can help us accomplish that. What we need on DEF can be acquired from the 2nd rd on. There will be no shortage of talented, if not as polished, DE’s, DT’s, SS’s and LB’s throughout this draft, and Dimitroff is the GM that can find them.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 20th, 2009
9:36 am
Well said, Ken; I think we are on the same sheet of music.
I like Pettigrew, alot, and the only reason I expressed excitement for Johnson at number 24 is because I don’t think he’d be available for our second pick. So, either one would satisfy me.
I, too, change up when you consider releases, returns, re-signings. I’m still on the bandwagon for shopping a starting SS, in which you expressed is plentiful in the draft (linebackers and d. tackles, alike); however, I don’t think Pettigrew will last the second round and there’s just no other tight ends with similar traits (although, TD seems to covet Coffman).
I am really feeling your philosophy on the offensive strategy, with the addition of a very good tight end; but I think Pettigrew is the only one that can pull it off. That philosophy has worked for Colts, Rams and Vikings. The difference with us, we can now put a good defense with it; and, like you said, a good defense sits on the bench watching a good offense.
Shane
March 20th, 2009
9:40 am
Love that the Falcons are finally giving UGA some love. How many Pro Bowlers had to come out of Athens before the ‘Coons woke up to the gold mine 60 mi away?
Would love to see Southerland & Mass stay in Black & Red. And Ellerbe could contribute, although several Free Agents have already been brought in. Maybe get Wynn for a bargain, see what he does.
It’s been such a position of injury, can’t have too many run-stoppers….Mike Smith is a Defensive animal…and Defense, as we know, wins.
darrell starks
March 20th, 2009
10:30 am
I agree ASHER ALLEN came out to early and cause him self millions of dollar but WHAT GAMES are we talking about because the games i saw him play in he was solid LOOK every corner back is going to get beat sometime thats just reality even the best CB GET beat but asher allen is tough and play hard AND NOT ONLY THAT HE IS BETTER THAN SORRY CHRIS HOUSTON.GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FreeMikeVick
March 20th, 2009
10:32 am
chris 4 prez
March 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
FreeMikeVick, you my friend are a morron!
Whats a morron? Why is it the ones who attempt to question my intelligence fail miserably?
I MUS.WRITE
March 20th, 2009
10:38 am
Flacon Devil….. I hope you’re right about Robert James, from what ive heard he is a tackling machine and at 5′10 sum people compared him to london fletcher.
I would like for Maybin or Cushing to fall to us but if they dont …the pick at 24 has got to be Ziggy Hood the more film I see of this guy the more impressed i am
I would definitely pick him at 24 if we cant trade down, Also I think Zach Follett is going to be a really good Pro -hopefully for us…… I think he will outperform 3 of the 4 USC linebackers in the draft ..just a gut feeling -We have to get this guy……TD type guy nonstop motor – good tackler in space and plays with a nasty disposition
If we could get ZHood /Z Follett in the later rounds and a big NT to clog the middle I would be happy.
ndadome
March 20th, 2009
10:55 am
I MUS.WRITE I thought Hood was a DT. .am I wrong about that? Either way, I’m with you. .he is impressive. .Chase Coffman, TE, looks promising in the second round or so. .I also like Rashad Johnson, FS, from Alabama. .smart guy who can cover, and will hit you in the mouth.
Ken Strickland
March 20th, 2009
1:37 pm
I don’t know about the rest of you, but this is the most exciting, as well as puzzling, off season I’ve ever experienced as a Falcon fan. There’s one other thing we must consider before going overboard at our lack of FA participation to this point. There will be another FA signing period. And remember, we’ll also be able to sign players cut by other teams during training camp.
As far as SS in concerned, we should keep an eye on Antoine Harris, who’ll be coming off IR. His scouting report says he has the talent to effectively play both safety positions, and he’s not afraid to come up and hit. Based on everything I’ve read and heard about LB Robert James, he might be a better prospect than any LB in this yrs draft, and we already have him signed.
I can also understand why we might draft a DE. If JAbraham goes down, based on last yrs production, we’d need a DE that can provide his kind of production. I don’t think KBiermann has reached the point where he can be an effective every down DE. CDavis is steady, but he can’t provide the pass rushing ability that Abraham does. If we draft DE English, and he measures up to expectations, we would end up with a solid DL. We’d have 2 pass rushing DE’s in English and Abraham, and 2 solid DT’s, capable of rushing the passer, in TLewis and JBabineaux.
Truebeliever
March 20th, 2009
1:38 pm
They may be able to get great value in later rounds by getting Asher Allen in the 3rd and Ellerby in the 4th. Both of which would at the very least provide quality depth at thier positions and be excellent contributors on special teams.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 21st, 2009
9:21 pm
I CAN HARDLY WAIT UNTIL THE 2009 SEASON STARTS! REACHING THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN SHOULD BE A GUARANTEE, OTHERWISE THE GM, HEAD COACH AND QUARTERBACK WILL BE A BUST AND 2008 WAS JUST A FLUKE. GO FALCONS!
Harry Rand
March 23rd, 2009
3:52 pm
The Falcons need a tight end and Southerland has the perfect size for the position, plus he already has great hands and can block. It’s a no brainer!